CHFM Fire and Life Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which NFPA standard specifically governs the installation of sprinkler systems in healthcare facilities?
- NFPA 10
- NFPA 13 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 25
- NFPA 72
Correct answer: NFPA 13
NFPA 13 (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems) governs the design and installation of automatic sprinkler systems.
Question 2: A hospital is planning to perform hot work (welding) near a sprinkler system. What is the FIRST step required before work begins?
- Notify the fire marshal
- Obtain a hot work permit (Correct answer)
- Shut down the sprinkler zone
- Post a fire watch in the area
Correct answer: Obtain a hot work permit
A hot work permit must be obtained first to authorize the work, identify hazards, and establish required precautions including fire watch.
Question 3: Under NFPA 101, a smoke compartment in a health care occupancy must not exceed how many square feet?
- 10,000 sq ft
- 22,500 sq ft (Correct answer)
- 40,000 sq ft
- 80,000 sq ft
Correct answer: 22,500 sq ft
NFPA 101 limits health care occupancy smoke compartments to a maximum of 22,500 square feet.
Question 4: What type of fire door assembly is required between a health care occupancy corridor and a hazardous area such as a soiled linen room?
- 20-minute fire-rated assembly
- 45-minute fire-rated assembly
- 1-hour fire-rated assembly (Correct answer)
- 2-hour fire-rated assembly
Correct answer: 1-hour fire-rated assembly
Hazardous areas in health care occupancies require a 1-hour fire-rated separation or automatic sprinkler protection per NFPA 101.
Question 5: Which document must a hospital facility manager maintain to demonstrate compliance with The Joint Commission's Environment of Care fire safety requirements?
- Fire Safety Management Plan
- Hazard Communication Plan
- Emergency Operations Plan
- Life Safety Management Program (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Life Safety Management Program
The Joint Commission requires a Life Safety Management Program that documents how the facility manages fire safety and life safety systems.
Question 6: When a sprinkler system must be taken out of service for repairs in a healthcare facility, which interim life safety measure (ILSM) is MOST immediately required?
- Increase frequency of fire drills
- Conduct a fire hazard survey of the affected area (Correct answer)
- Increase smoking restrictions
- Notify the state health department
Correct answer: Conduct a fire hazard survey of the affected area
A fire hazard survey of the affected area is the most immediate ILSM to identify and mitigate risks created by the impaired protection system.
Question 7: In healthcare facilities, corridor doors to patient rooms must be equipped with which feature to meet NFPA 101 requirements?
- Automatic door closers
- Positive-latching hardware (Correct answer)
- Full-vision glass panels
- Magnetic hold-open devices
Correct answer: Positive-latching hardware
Patient room corridor doors must have positive-latching hardware so they remain fully closed and latched when not in use.
CHFM Fire and Life Safety 3
Which NFPA standard specifically governs the installation of sprinkler systems in healthcare facilities?